Neighbors Out of Iran

CBC (Canadian Broadcasting Corporatino) put this on their web page:

Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird says Canada has closed its embassy in Iran and is kicking out all Iranian diplomats in Canada.

And this from the article referencing the official statement:

Baird said Canada has closed its embassy in Iran, effective immediately, and declared personae non gratae all remaining Iranian diplomats in Canada.  Those diplomats must leave within five days.  All Canadian diplomats have already left Iran.

This quote from the article seems to provide the reason:

Speaking to reporters in Russia, where he's attending the Asia-Pacific Economic Co-Operation summit, Baird said the government is formally listing Iran today as a state sponsor of terrorism under the Justice for Victims of Terrorism Act.  That will theoretically allow Canadians affected by terrorism supported by the Iranian regime to sue.

But, what is the real reason?

One person speculated that it was because Canada expeccts an Israeli attack on Iran and doesn't want to be blamed.  The Iranians don't have a good track record on the treatment of diplomatic personnel.

The article noted that Ms Nazanin Afshin-Jam, an Iranian ex-pat and human rights activis, is the Canadian Defense Minister's spouse.  There is word that the Iranian Embassy in Canada has been meddling in the affairs of Iranians living in Iran.  Perhaps there is a conflict between the Western vision of individual freedom and the Islamic view of collective justice.

Regards  —  Cliff